Topical Melatonin for Hair Loss

Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, which has been shown in several studies to have significant positive effects on hair growth in patients suffering from hair loss. Let’s see how it works and how you can use it…

Melatonin has strong antioxidant properties (Fischer et al 2012) making it a prime candidate in combating the oxidative stress associated with general hair loss and androgenic alopecia (AGA).
Topical Melatonin Spray
Human hair follicles are able to synthesize melatonin and express melatonin receptors (Kobayashi et al, 2005; Fischer et al, 2008). Studies have shown that these receptors are all in the hair sheath, which aids in the regulation of hair growth and stabilisation of the hair shaft. Further, it has been noted that melatonin can interact with androgen and estrogen receptor mediated signalling pathways. This observation may be highly relevant, given the role of androgens and estrogens in hair growth control (Fischer et al, 2008).
Based on the hypotheses on melatonin’s effect on hair growth, a topical solution of 0.0033% melatonin was developed by ASATONA AG (Zug, Switzerland). Several studies were conducted on behalf of this company to investigate the effect of melatonin on hair loss and results showed treatment to be well tolerated and effective (Lorenzi and Caputo, 2003; Macher, 2003). However, conclusions drawn from these results are limited because some observations were not placebo controlled and were based on subjective questionnaires for the patients.

women with diffuse alopecia experienced an increase in frontal hair counts

Fischer et al (2004) also conducted a study on 40 women with diffuse alopecia or AGA. A 1% melatonin-alcohol solution was applied once daily on the scalp over 6 months. The results showed an increase in anagen hair growth phase in the occipital scalp areas in women with AGA.
Their frontal hair counts were unaffected. However, women with diffuse alopecia experienced an increase in frontal hair counts. This effect might be interpreted as induction of hair growth by prolongation of the anagen phase (Nixon et al 1993).
The value of these findings may be improved by repeating similar studies on larger populations and for longer periods. Moreover, additional hair growth parameters would have to be included before firm conclusions can be drawn on the efficacy of topical melatonin in the management of hair loss (Nixon et al 1993).

References

  1. Fischer, T.W., Andrzej Slominski, Tobin, D.J. and Paus, R., Melatonin And The Hair Follicle, Journal of Pineal Research, 2008 Jan; 44(1): 1-15
  2. Fischer, T.W., Burmeister, G., Schmidt, H.W. and Elsner, P., Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate In Women With Androgenic Alopecia Or Diffuse Alopecia: Results Of A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Br J Dermatol 2004 Feb; 150(2):41-5
  3. Fischer, T.W., Trüeb, R.M., Hanggi, G, Innocenti, M. and Elsner, P., Topical Melatonin For Treatment Of Androgenic Alopecia, Int J Trichol, 2012; 4(4):236-45
  4. Kobayashi. H., Kromminga. A., Dunlop, T.W.., Tychsen, B., Conrad, F. and Suzuki N, A Role Of Melatonin In Neuroectodermal-Mesodermal Interactions: The Hair Follicle Synthesizes Melatonin And Expresses Functional Melatonin Receptors. FASEB J.2005; 19:1710-2.
  5. Lorenzi. S. and Caputo, R. (2003) Melatonin Cosmetic Hair Solution: Open Study Of The Efficacy And The Safety On Hair Loss (Telogen) Control And Hair Growth (Anagen) Stimulation. MEL-COS-ASO1. Data on file. Asatona AG, Switzerland.
  6. Macher, J.P. (2003) Pharmacokinetics And Clinical And Biological Tolerability Of Repeated Topical Application Of A Melatonin- Containing Cosmetic Hair Solution In Healthy Female Volunteers. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross Over Design Study. Clinical Study Report. MEL-COS-1. Data on file. Asatona AG, Switzerland.
  7. Nixon, A.J., Choy, V.J. and Parry, A.L., Fiber Growth Initiation In Hair Follicles Of Goats Treated With Melatoni, J Exp Zool 1993; 267:47–56.